Doing business in Berlin
European Film Market: Connection, Collaboration & Momentum
The European Film Market in Berlin is easily one of our favourite stops on the circuit at GMP. There’s something about the energy of this market — the blend of creativity, commerce, and community — that makes it a standout every year.
Being back again meant reconnecting with long-time contacts who have become genuine friends, while also forging exciting new relationships. Markets like this are never just about one thing. The days are a dynamic mix of panel discussions, back-to-back meetings, spontaneous conversations while searching for a quiet corner table, and, of course, carving out moments to explore the city itself.
This year’s trip has already sparked some truly promising opportunities. Several potential partnerships are now in the pipeline, and we’re hopeful that a few of these conversations will evolve into tangible collaborations before the year is out.
Reuniting with Our Co-Production Partners on Eclipse
One of the highlights of the market was spending time with our co-production partners on our upcoming fantasy realism feature, Eclipse: Mohammad Farokhmanesh and Beke Rienitz of Brave New Work in Germany. We truly couldn’t ask for better collaborators.
Eclipse feels incredibly urgent and timely. In light of the horrific events unfolding in Iran this year, the story resonates even more deeply. Originally written in 2019 by Atefeh Khademolreza and Sam Kiehoon Lee, the film centers on young girls fighting for freedom against an oppressive regime. What was once a powerful narrative has become strikingly of the moment — a reminder of how art can both anticipate and reflect real-world struggles.
Having partners who understand both the creative ambition and the cultural weight of a project like this is invaluable. The conversations in Berlin reaffirmed our shared vision and strengthened our commitment to bringing this story to the screen.
The Value of Showing Up
We’re incredibly grateful to Ontario Creates for supporting independent producers like GMP in attending markets like this.
While Zoom calls and virtual meetings have become part of the industry’s fabric, nothing replaces the impact of in-person connection. This business has always been — and continues to be — built on relationships. Sitting across the table from someone, reading the room, sharing a laugh between meetings — these moments build trust in a way that no screen can replicate.
As we head back from Berlin, we do so energized, inspired, and optimistic about what lies ahead. Here’s to turning conversations into collaborations and ideas into films.
